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The Effect of Compulsory Education on Non-Cognitive Skills: Evidence from Low- and Middle-Income Countries

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  • Entorf, Antonia

    (IZA)

  • Dohmen, Thomas

    (University of Bonn)

Abstract

Personality traits, preferences, and attitudes significantly influence labor market outcomes, and these non-cognitive skills are shaped by the social environment. While curriculum interventions can impact these skills, the effect of compulsory education on non-cognitive skills is less well understood. This study investigates the impact of extending compulsory education by examining educational reforms in four low- and middle-income countries. Utilizing cross-sectional data from the World Bank’s 2012/2013 initiative, we analyze the within-country variation in compulsory education years. Our findings indicate that increased compulsory education decreases emotional stability, grit, hostile attribution bias, patience, and willingness to take risks, while enhancing openness to experience and alternative solution or consequential thinking.

Suggested Citation

  • Entorf, Antonia & Dohmen, Thomas, 2025. "The Effect of Compulsory Education on Non-Cognitive Skills: Evidence from Low- and Middle-Income Countries," IZA Discussion Papers 17832, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17832
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    personality; wage returns; education; non-cognitive skills; economic preferences;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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